Trustees

Volunteers are at the heart of the Citizens Advice service, and we could not provide the service we do without them. The majority of our charity's impact comes from our wonderful team of volunteers throughout the organisation, including the Trustee Board.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure CARS achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure CARS has a clear strategic direction and that everyone in the organisation is working towards delivering on our objectives. Just as importantly they support and challenge the Chief Executive and the management team to enable CARS to grow and secure the future of our organisation. The board members act collectively as a team to provide leadership and good governance.

As a small charity, Trustees may be involved in supporting the charity beyond board meetings, by joining working groups. They might advise on subjects related to their area of interest, skill, experience or expertise.

Although the role is unpaid, we reimburse reasonable expenses (like travel costs/ childcare to enable you to attend meetings).

What skills do I need?

To join us, you don’t have to have any prior experience as a trustee, or have management experience, although we will not exclude those who do have that background.

We are looking for volunteers who: • take an active interest in their local community; • who can make a regular commitment of their time; and • who share our passion for helping to improve the service that we provide to local people in need.

It would be good if you recognise in yourself some of the following: • You are comfortable expressing your own ideas but also happy to listen to the views of others. • You enjoy building relationships with others and understand the power of working together in a team. • You think creatively and are always searching for that better solution. • You’re committed and enjoy working as part of a team. • You are happy defining goals, setting targets, and reviewing performance for yourself and others. • You are non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.

We are committed to building a Trustee Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues Citizens Advice addresses, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, women, younger people, and those with experience of financial hardship or other forms of disadvantage. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen governance and decision-making, and we welcome applications from anyone who shares our values and can contribute to our mission.

If you have experience of and care about these issues, are prepared to offer your time, and enjoy supporting a committed team of hard working staff and volunteers, we want to hear from you. In addition, we are always keen to raise money to expand our services and would welcome applicants with any knowledge or ideas in this area. Your help could be using your contacts in the local community or in general fundraising.

You get to develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily access in other roles, learning from and working with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you will: • Enjoy a meaningful experience, developing leadership/strategic skills. • Have the opportunity to shape the future direction of our charity. • Get a good insight on how others work, respond to situations, and make decisions. • Learn about governance and the charity sector. • Enjoy the perks of teamworking for the good of your community. • Make a demonstrable impact and difference. • Grow your network and open up career progression opportunities available to you. As a new Trustee you will benefit from: • Induction, training, and we will cover of out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel or child-care). • Mentoring from an experienced trustee.

There are 5 Board meetings per year held in Addlestone, Surrey. They currently take place on a Monday, from 5.30 to 8.00 p.m. and are attended normally in person or by exception online.